Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
Anil Vij slams Punjab over Water row: “Punjab once offered water freely, now snatches drinking glass from Haryana"
Backs All-Party Unity on Water Dispute; Criticizes Channi for ‘Distrusting Indian Army’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 3, 2025: Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government over the ongoing water-sharing dispute, criticizing its move to tighten security at Bhakra Dam and allegedly stop water supply to Haryana.
“Punjab’s culture was to offer water to the thirsty through chhabils, but today the same Punjab has snatched the drinking water glass from the people of Haryana,” said Vij while speaking to the media in Chandigarh.
Urging Punjab to adopt a cooperative approach, Vij added, “In a federal structure, we can’t live with a ‘main-main’ mindset. States are interdependent. If we were to block Punjab’s rail or road access in retaliation, imagine the consequences. But we will not stoop to that level because we respect the federal spirit of our country.”
Referring to the all-party meeting held in Haryana today to deliberate on the water crisis, Vij welcomed the initiative, stating, “It’s good that a joint meeting has been called. While we may have political differences, we have always come together on issues of shared concern, including water disputes like the SYL canal.”
In a separate comment, Vij also took aim at former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who recently demanded proof of the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army.
“Channi neither trusts nor believes in our army. He has more faith in Pakistan’s narrative than in our armed forces. He will probably only believe it when Pakistan itself admits that India gave them a strong blow,” Vij said sharply.
The water-sharing conflict between Punjab and Haryana continues to intensify, with political leaders from both states trading accusations. The situation is being closely monitored amid calls for resolution through dialogue and constitutional means.